Raving about Red Cabbage

Published October 09, 2015
Raving about Red Cabbage
health benefits of red cabbageDid you know that cabbage is one of the oldest known vegetables?! Red cabbage is a healthy and robust veggie that can be used in so many ways- chopping it raw to add crunch to your favorite dishes, cooking it for a festive side dish, or even juicing it to add vibrant color to your liquids! Red cabbage is not only beautiful with its red-ish purple hue, but this peppery flavored vegetable is an antioxidant powerhouse. Red cabbage belongs to the cruciferous family that includes broccoli, turnips and brussels sprouts. Cruciferous veggies are the only source of sulfur containing compounds which are responsible for their bitter flavor. These compounds help reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. Here are some other amazing health benefits of red cabbage:

Vision & Immunity Health

While green cabbage is more widely used, red cabbage actually has 10 times more Vitamin A than green cabbage. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant found in red cabbage that is converted into the Vitamin A you need for vision and to keep your skin and immune system healthy. One cup of chopped red cabbage has 33 percent of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. The same portion of green cabbage has only 3 percent.

Anti-Inflammation

Red cabbage is high in Vitamin C which helps fight inflammation and protects cells from damage that could lead to chronic health conditions.

How to use it

Here are some delicious ways to incorporate this pretty veggie in your dishes:
  • Coleslaw- Toss red and green cabbage in with colorful bell peppers, chopped carrots and green onion in a lemon vinaigrette.
  • Fresh Salad- Chop Kale and red cabbage and toss with oil and vinegar for a crisp, hearty salad.
  • Braised- Simmer red cabbage in vegetable broth, Marsala wine, lemon, garlic, salt and pepper, until tender. (About an hour)
My personal favorite way to serve red cabbage is seared! Cut a head of cabbage into 8-10 wedges. Heat olive oil in a pan on medium-high heat, then place as many cabbage wedges as you can in one layer. Allow them to get golden brown on one side (3-4 minutes), then using tongs, flip the wedges over and crisp the other side (another 3-4 minutes). Once finished, sprinkle with course ground pepper and Himalayan sea salt. Enjoy while it’s hot! Bella Sources: "Health Benefits of Red Cabbage | Organic Facts." Organic Facts. 21 Dec. 2013. Web. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/red-cabbage.html. "What Are the Health Benefits of Red Cabbage Vs. Green Cabbage?" Healthy Eating. SF Gate. Web. 8 Oct. 2015. http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-red-cabbage-vs-green-cabbage-5647.html.

Recent blog posts

Read more recipes, lifestyle tips, and nutrition advice and more from our Suja experts.
A Guide to Our Favorite Seasonal Citrus Fruits
Nutrition

A Guide to Our Favorite Seasonal Citrus Fruits

Read
6 Ways to Add Lemon to Your Diet
Nutrition

6 Ways to Add Lemon to Your Diet

Read
Live it Up Super Greens vs Suja Organic Greens Powder
Nutrition

Live it Up Super Greens vs Suja Organic Greens Powder

Read
Athletic Greens vs. Suja Organic Greens Powder
Nutrition

Athletic Greens vs. Suja Organic Greens Powder

Read
How To Do A Juice Cleanse
Nutrition

How To Do A Juice Cleanse

Read
The Dirty Dozen List™
Nutrition

The Dirty Dozen List™

Read
Spring Fruits and Vegetables Guide
Nutrition

Spring Fruits and Vegetables Guide

Read
5 Benefits of Celery
Nutrition

5 Benefits of Celery

Read
10 Best Green Leafy Vegetables
Nutrition

10 Best Green Leafy Vegetables

Read
National Vitamin C Day: What You Need to Know
Nutrition

National Vitamin C Day: What You Need to Know

Read
Greens Powder FAQ
Nutrition

Greens Powder FAQ

Read
Best Foods for Heart Health
Nutrition

Best Foods for Heart Health

Read
A Guide to Our Favorite Seasonal Citrus Fruits
Nutrition

A Guide to Our Favorite Seasonal Citrus Fruits

Read
6 Ways to Add Lemon to Your Diet
Nutrition

6 Ways to Add Lemon to Your Diet

Read
Live it Up Super Greens vs Suja Organic Greens Powder
Nutrition

Live it Up Super Greens vs Suja Organic Greens Powder

Read
Athletic Greens vs. Suja Organic Greens Powder
Nutrition

Athletic Greens vs. Suja Organic Greens Powder

Read
How To Do A Juice Cleanse
Nutrition

How To Do A Juice Cleanse

Read
The Dirty Dozen List™
Nutrition

The Dirty Dozen List™

Read
Spring Fruits and Vegetables Guide
Nutrition

Spring Fruits and Vegetables Guide

Read
5 Benefits of Celery
Nutrition

5 Benefits of Celery

Read
10 Best Green Leafy Vegetables
Nutrition

10 Best Green Leafy Vegetables

Read
National Vitamin C Day: What You Need to Know
Nutrition

National Vitamin C Day: What You Need to Know

Read
Greens Powder FAQ
Nutrition

Greens Powder FAQ

Read
Best Foods for Heart Health
Nutrition

Best Foods for Heart Health

Read